Prairieland Adaptive Evolves from Dream to Launch

When Cody Birely founded Prairieland Adaptive in 2024, he brought together his clinical training, strong community relationships, and a vision for expanding access to coordinated, local adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities in Central Illinois.

The Challenge

While working as a physical therapist, Cody observed how few opportunities existed for people—particularly after formal therapy ended—to engage in recreational movement or sport in a way that was welcoming, safe, and appropriately supported. Existing programs were often far away or limited in scope, leaving individuals and families without accessible options.

The Vision

Cody founded Prairieland Adaptive in June 2024 to offer something practical and local. His approach drew on both his clinical understanding and his relationships with community partners. The initial goal was to coordinate a single public event that would demonstrate the need and test the concept.

“I’ve worked with individuals across the lifespan who want to try something new or return to activities they once loved. The idea was to create a setting where people could explore what was possible.” – Cody Birely, Founder, Prairieland Adaptive

The PlanPerfect Partnership

In August 2024, Cody and PlanPerfect cofounder Sophia Shaw met at a Dare2Tri triathlon clinic in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. They were introduced by athlete Angelo Perez when he learned Cody was starting a nonprofit and Sophia consulted with nonprofits.

Cody became PlanPerfect’s first early-stage trial community member. He, Adam Wolford, and Sophia used the platform to outline Prairieland Adaptive’s initial goals and priorities, plan the organization’s first public program, and coordinate early collaborators. This included drafting program elements, roles, and timelines that could be easily shared with others.

“Having something structured that also respected how small organizations start—it helped me keep things moving,”

The Launch

On September 27, 2025, Prairieland Adaptive will co-host the ADAPT AND CONQUER EXPO with Bradley University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The event will take place at the Markin Family Student Recreation Center on Bradley’s campus in Peoria, Illinois, and it will include adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness activities, equipment trials, and a community resource fair. Admission is free, and registration is open to the public.

Activities will include wheelchair basketball, racing wheelchairs, disc golf, adaptive pickleball, cycling, para climbing, and adaptive fitness. Equipment demonstrations will feature sled hockey, mono/bi-skis, kayaks, and running blades. The event will also include accommodations for individuals with visual impairments. Expected attendees include individuals of all ages with disabilities, family, caregivers, students, and clinicians.

“This event is an opportunity to bring the community together, to bring all stakeholders to the forefront, and give people a chance to connect, to learn, and to try something new. In the end, Prairieland Adaptive is about building community.”

What’s Next

Prairieland Adaptive is planning additional events and exploring opportunities to build more consistent access to equipment and programming in the region.

“Everything we’re doing is grounded in feedback from the community. We have a vision for the future, and ultimately, the community will be our guide.

Reflections

Prairieland Adaptive’s early-stage planning demonstrates the value of a clearly defined idea, an engaged founder, and a structure that supports meaningful execution. We’re proud to support Cody’s work as it continues to evolve.

More About Cody Birely

Cody Birely is a licensed physical therapist with extensive training in neurologic rehabilitation. He currently practices at OSF HealthCare and is also the owner of Breaking Barriers Physical Therapy and Adaptive Performance, PLLC.

He works with individuals across the lifespan with stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, lower extremity amputees, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and progressive neurological conditions.

Cody earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 2020. He then completed a neurologic clinical physical therapy residency program at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Spanish from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and is a graduate of North Scott Senior High School in Eldridge, Iowa.

His mission is to empower individuals across the lifespan with neurologic conditions and physical disabilities to meet and exceed their rehabilitation goals by integrating best practice interventions in neurologic rehabilitation, community integration strategies, and a focus on health and wellness to optimize quality of life, regardless of physical ability level.

“I am blessed that I am able to provide the tools to help people achieve their goals while they teach me about life and how to be a better person. I could not have asked for a better profession to pursue.”

More About Prairieland Adaptive

Mission
To empower individuals with disabilities to achieve optimal health, wellness, and quality of life through innovative, adaptive programming, forging a path towards a more accessible and inclusive community.

Vision
To be front-line leaders in creating an accessible and inclusive community where everyone, regardless of disability, achieves optimal health, wellness, and quality of life.

Values
Prairieland Adaptive is rooted in resilience, tenacity, fortitude, and innovation. The organization strives to be a "yes" organization—viewing challenges as opportunities and working to over-deliver in all it does.

What We Do
The team is currently developing seasonal and year around programming,  with an aim to start formal programming in the Winter 2026 after the Adapt and Conquer Expo. In the meantime, the organization shares recommendations for existing adaptive activities in the Central Illinois region.

Learn more at www.prairielandadaptive.org.